BSF trooper beaten up by Bangladeshi villagers

Siliguri, Nov 17 (IANS) A Border Security Force (BSF) trooper was severely beaten up by villagers in Bangladesh after he allegedly strayed into the neighbouring country’s territory and fired at and killed three Bangladeshis.A BSF release said constable R.P. Singh of the 10th battalion, who was deployed at Nayabari under the Chopra police station of North Dinajpur district, was found missing by his colleagues while patrolling Sunday night.

“His colleagues heard some shouts but could not find him. Singh was missing along with his rifle,” BSF deputy commandant (G-Branch) Manoj Kumar Soni said in the release.

On Monday, Bangldesh Rifles (BDR) Rangpur sector Deputy Inspector General Akhtabul Islam disclosed that Singh was in their custody.

He claimed that Singh had fatally shot three Bangladesh nationals, including a woman and a child, besides injuring another person, after entering 200 yards into the foreign country’s territory at Mainaguri, the release said.

Later, Bangladesh villagers beat up Singh, who is now in a critical condition in Rangpur hospital in Bangladesh.

A sector commander level flag meeting was held between the BSF and BDR Monday at Nayabari.

“The meeting lasted five and a half hours. A joint BSF-BDR delegation also went to the spot 100 yards into Bangaldesh territory where Singh allegedly fired at the neighbouring country’s citizens.”

Two BSF doctors have been sent to Rangpur hospital, the release said, adding BDR had agreed to hand over Singh to the BSF.

The BSF would inquire into the incident and action would be taken against the ‘guilty’, the release said.